Lviv Pharmacy Museum - a living time capsule

The art of medicine frst came to medieval Lviv in the 13th century when Constance, the wife of Prince Leo, founded a pharmacy and hospital within the grounds of the Dominican Monastery. However, for most Leopolitans the city’s medical history remains intrinsically linked to the building which today houses Lviv’s Pharmacy Museum. Lviv’s fascinating and historically important Pharmacy Museum is situated in the heart of the old town close to Rynok square in the angular house where Drukarska and Stavropihijska begin. The pharmacy itself dates back to 1735 when it was frst established by military pharmacist Natorp. On the facade of the building you can still see two sculptures which depict Aesculapius, the Greek god of medicine, and his daughter Hygiene, the Greek goddess of health.

The museum itself was ofcially opened in 1966 but the building had already long featured displays of items relating to the development of the pharmaceutical trade in West Ukraine. In 1868 a group of West Ukrainian pharmacists started the frst collection and this eventually grew into an entire museum featuring 16 halls! Today’s Pharmacy Museum has over 2,000 exhibits including scales, weights and measures and ancient artefacts relating to the history of Lviv medicine. Pride of place among the museum collection are the surviving examples of early 19th century oil lamps – the oil lamp was invented in Lviv and played a big role in improving conditions in the city’s hospitals. To learn more fascinating facts about Lviv’s remarkable past all you need to do is take a trip on the city’s Wonder Train and bus tours!